St. Matthew (21 September): Instead of Being Selfish Give Happiness to Others

About this sermon

Saint Matthew left behind the life of a tax collector when Jesus Christ called him with the words, “Follow Me.” But could there still be a little of the tax collector in each of us? This Catholic sermon explores the conversion, Gospel, missionary work, and martyrdom of Saint Matthew—also called Levi. Tax collectors were despised because they served the occupying Roman Empire and could enrich themselves at the expense of their own people. Yet Matthew responded sincerely to Christ, celebrated his conversion with a banquet, and brought other sinners into the presence of Jesus. Our Lord declared, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Since every person needs God’s mercy, we should not judge others merely by appearances. Instead, we should introduce them to Christ, invite them to Mass, and provide an example of genuine conversion. The sermon concludes with a searching examination of conscience. We may become “spiritual tax collectors” when we appropriate another person’s accomplishments, use our children’s success to feed our pride, take advantage of a spouse, or rob others of joy and peace through selfishness and constant negativity. Saint Matthew shows us another path: stop taking, answer Christ’s call, and begin giving. Give joy. Give happiness. Give peace. Give back rather than enriching yourself at another person’s expense. Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, pray for us! 00:00 Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist 00:23 His conversion in Matthew 9 00:38 Why tax collectors were despised 01:04 How tax collectors enriched themselves 01:27 The hypocrisy of the Pharisees 02:01 Paying taxes to a corrupt government 02:09 Matthew’s sincere conversion and banquet 02:24 Christ came to call sinners 02:39 Bringing sinners into Christ’s presence 03:04 Invite your unusual friends to Mass 03:12 God looks at the heart 03:19 The Gospel of Saint Matthew 03:27 Matthew’s Jewish audience 04:06 Jerusalem and the Temple 04:29 Saint Matthew’s mission in Ethiopia 04:37 Raising the king’s daughter 04:53 Her vow of chastity 05:09 Saint Matthew’s martyrdom at the altar 05:17 Christianity in Ethiopia 05:57 Lessons from Saint Matthew’s life 06:10 The tax collector within each of us 06:26 Taking credit for another’s gifts 06:34 Parents and pride in their children 06:41 Selfishness within marriage 06:57 Becoming a “spiritual tax collector” 07:06 Leave selfishness behind 07:14 Give joy, happiness, and peace 07:31 Prayer through Saint Matthew Please say 3 Hail Marys for the priest. #SaintMatthew #CatholicFaith #ApostleMatthew #GospelOfMatthew #CatholicSaints #DailyHomily #ChristianFaith #BibleReflection #SaintsLives #FaithAndConversion 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Joy